Out in the Open: Support from our Chosen Family

Hello and welcome to Out in the Open, a podcast series from Bayside Radio.

This is the space where we share real stories, celebrate our LGBTQ+ community here in North Wales, and connect with each other in ways that remind us none of us are alone.

Each week, we’ll shine a light on voices, histories, and everyday experiences — all with warmth, honesty, and a little laughter along the way.

In the first episode our special guest Noah discusses Chosen Family with David and Simon.

Chosen families are vital to the LGBTQ+ community because they provide unconditional support, affirmation, and a sense of belonging that is often missing from biological families due to discrimination and rejection.

These self-selected networks offer a refuge, crucial for mental health, community building, and mutual care in a society where LGBTQ+ individuals frequently face ostracism or lack of acceptance from their families of origin.